Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmin Johnson.
Jazmin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Probably like a lot of actors and actresses my aspirations to being on the big screen started with seeing someone who looked like me and wanting to do what they do. The person? Keke Palmer. The movie? Madea’s Family Reunion. The time? 4th grade. Ever since then every year in school, I would introduce myself as the following: I’m Jazmin Johnson, I’m __ years old and I’m going to be in a Tyler Perry movie one day. Some were shocked, some giggled, some didn’t even know who Tyler Perry was. Either way, it became something I was basically known for saying. Specifically, I recall in the 9th grade, I was told by one of my teachers that it was impossible and that the chances of it happening were slim to none. In fact, his advice to me was to choose something more realistic for my life. Little did he know, that I had YEARS of manifestation, faith, and GOD on my side. Four years later, I did my first Tyler Perry movie at 18 years old. I’ve gone on to do more small parts on movies and shows such as Madea’s Boo 2, The Quad, STAR, Fatal Attraction, etc. Through my efforts, I was also 1 of the five students awarded in the entire nation the chance to be exposed to the inside corporate circle of networks, production offices, and studios in Los Angeles this summer as one of the fellows of the American Black Film Festival’s Greenlighters Academy. I also am apart of FAMU FOCUS (Filmwriters Organized to Create Untold Stories) FAMU’s premiere film club. In which I have been blessed with an amazing tribe of young talented writers, directors, camera techs that have supported me in writing my very first film that will premiere on FAMU’s Campus. This past summer, I’ve also gotten the chance to work as a camera production assistant of Oprah’s OWN Network’s new show David Makes Man as apart of Warner Bros Access to Action Program. This has catapulted my career into ways only God can orchestrate and continues to make me excited and optimistic about the future.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far has been a mental one. The time? Freshman year of college at FAMU. I always tell people the best and worst day of my life are exactly two weeks apart. September 16, 2016, I came home to find out my grandmother whom I’ve shared a home with my entire life with. My favorite person in the entire world had left me behind here. Then, to turn around and go back to school and be alone with my thoughts brought me to states of depression and lonesomeness I never would’ve expected. My favorite pastime with my parents was to watch Tyler Perry’s infamous Madea in action. Man, whenever Madea would get to shooting her gun my 97 and 87-year-old grandparents would crack a laugh so loud heaven could hear. I heard a pastor say one day, “your deliverance is tied to your calling.” Think about that. YOUR DELIVERANCE IS TIED TO YOUR CALLING. Isn’t it ironic that with no prior leads or communications with Tyler Perry Studios 14 days later, I’m on set of Tyler Perry’s Acrimony. Not only on set, but the ONLY extra who actually was able to converse with him face to face on that scene that day. I know that was NOTHING but my grandparent’s and GOD’s doing.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I have never been one to limit my aspirations. Letting them roam as wild as the mind imagines has uncovered my talents beyond acting. Talents such as scriptwriting. This is how PYRMD PRDCTNS was born. PYRMD PRDCTNS (pronounced pyramid productions) was founded in 2018 on the campus of Florida A&M University. specializing in curating a wide realm of black narratives while delivering art, history, poetry & aesthetics. Our portfolio covers short films, classic reenactments, feature-length films, series, and montages. as college students and future game changers. PYRMD PRDCTNS constantly makes efforts to pay homage to the cinematic legends behind us while breaking down doors in front of us. We believe media has a firm grip on perception and representation and we will use it to advocate for untold stories.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Some could call it luck. Maybe a small percentage of it is. But I accredit all my success to GOD, my supporting family and friends, and my faith.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleopatrasdaughter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cleotrappaa
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7219774/
Image Credit:
Simone Williams, Naja Harmon, Kerra Harris, Kimberly Tirebio, Destiny Lane, Brianna Bowen
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